Jan. 29, 2013
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Sen. John Kerry on Capitol Hill. / Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry won unanimous approval from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday to become the next secretary of State.

Kerry, the longtime Massachusetts lawmaker, is expected to get a vote from the full Senate on Tuesday afternoon.

Once Kerry is confirmed, he's expected to immediately tender his resignation from the Senate. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said Monday he's all-but-decided on whom he will appoint to temporarily succeed Kerry in the U.S. Senate.

A special election for the rest of Kerry's term, which expires in 2014, will be held June 25. Primaries will be held April. 30.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's last day on the job is Friday.